Chapter 12

Letting Go

When I woke up Haldir was already awake as per usual. He was smiling at me and I leaned forward and kissed him.

"~I feel different. Happier than ever before…." I stroked his cheek. "…and I know it is because I am now your wife.~"

He pulled me onto his lap and started kissing me but I unfortunately had to stop him.

"~We have to get dressed. Trust me it will be worth it.~"

He tried to sway me by kissing my neck but I laughed and stopped him.

"~Thorin is going to come in here and try to take something sharp. I have a plan but I do not want him to see either of us naked. He is only 5 after all.~"

Haldir grimaced at the thought of Thorin walking in and he quickly put on his cloths. We got back under the blankets and sure enough the door creaked open.

"Brother we should not be in here! It is dangerous." Tawariell hissed.

I looked at Haldir.

"You take him I will get her." I whispered.

He nodded and I heard Thorin pick up something. I nodded and we both sprang from the bed. I grabbed Tawariell but Haldir missed Thorin. My little brother was very fast and all you saw was the blur of red hair. Tawariell was laughing as Haldir chased our brother around the room. Haldir looked at us.

"So you plan to simply sit there and laugh?"

"Yes that was the plan."

He scowled and Thorin and Tawariell ran from the room. Luckily Thorin did not get anything.

"I am famished. You did well to tire me out my beloved." I said.

He chuckled and took me in his arms.

"I am hungry for food….and you."

I laughed and he kissed me. Someone cleared their throat and we jumped apart. My mother stood there and Haldir looked worried. But mum only smiled and nodded.

"I realize it is early…..but Legolas would like to speak with you."

I looked at Haldir.

"Alone." mum added.

"But mum…."

She came forward and took my hands.

"There is nothing to be concerned about. Haldir will join us for breakfast soon enough."

I sighed but nodded. I gave him a kiss then went with my mother.

Haldir's POV

"He is waiting for you in the library." said the queen.

I bowed and then made my way there. As I pushed the large doors open Legolas turned and looked at me.

"You wish to marry my daughter? My firstborn?"

"That I do."

"Ar you prepared to care for her? To love her unconditionally?"

"More than you may know. For 5 years I have thought of nothing but her. I love her more than anyone and anything in this world. I would lay my life down before I saw any harm come to her. I could always feel her pain at the distance between us, it matched my own. I could wait no longer and decided to come for her."

His jaw became tight and he looked out a window.

"I will let you marry her, but there are conditions."

"I will do anything for her."

"I know you intend to return to Lorien for that is where you belong, but you must bring her back for long visit. You must also….."

I waited for him to go on.

"Never let her know pain or suffering. Do not let her go through what her mother and I did. Protect her, love her in every way. Do not fail me Haldir…..if she is unhappy I will find out and it will not be good for you."

I smiled and bowed.

"~I will never fail you or her.~"

He nodded, but as I started to leave he spoke once more.

"I hope I am clear when I say I want no grandchildren until my youngest child is at least 21 years old. Do you understand March Warden? And the Valar forbid you should have any daughters."

I nodded and then left.

Merida's POV

When Haldir entered the hall I jumped up and ran to him.

"~He did not hurt you did he?~"

"~No my love of course not. He has approved of our marriage.~"

I smiled and tears of joy came to my eyes as I threw my arms around him. He held me tightly and then he suddenly reached down.

"That is enough little prince." he said.

He had Thorin by his tunic and I laughed. He crossed his arms over his chest and scowled at Haldir. He put him down and he ran off somewhere. Haldir kissed me in full view of my family but I did not truly care. I knotted my fingers in his hair and smiled.

"Merida darling…" I looked at my mother. "Not at breakfast."

I laughed and Haldir smiled. Once he had finished eating we locked ourselves away in my room and he kissed me like never before. Now Haldir was my husband, and I knew I would never be separated from him again.

Legolas' POV

Seeing how happy my daughter was, made my heart burst with joy. And yet knowing she would be gone for very long periods of time made my heart cry. Maetharanel came into the library and wrapped her arms around me.

"~She always got anything she wanted from you. So does Tawariell for that matter. You are the best father I know and I know our children believe that as well.~"

I smiled.

"~I told him no grandchildren for us until Tawariell is at least 21.~"

She laughed and I turned and looked into her eyes. I stroked her cheek and her eyes sparkled.

"~Seeing her with him….it reminds me a bit of you and I.~"

She smiled and rested her head against my shoulder.

"~The only difference….my father was a dwarf and he wanted to kill you because you left me in Rivendell. And I quote, 'If I ever see him again….'.~"

I chuckled and pulled her onto my lap.

"~She is my baby girl, she was my first child…..it went by too fast.~" I said.

She smiled gently and touched my cheek.

"~I carried her, gave birth to her and raised her for 3 years alone. She is my little girl as well. Even though I do not want her to go away, I want her to be happy, and Haldir makes her so happy. And she will always be our baby girl no matter where she goes.~:

I smiled took her hand.

"~I know. I love you so much Maetharanel.~" I said.

She kissed me before saying,

"I love you too."

Merida's POV

I took Haldir out on a ride. I brought my bow and with him at my side I hit the middle of every target. We rode all around the mountain, laughing together and firing arrows. At noon we stopped and lay on the soft green grass among the spring flowers. I lay on my back and Haldir on his side just above me. I reached up and stroked his face with my fingertips.

"~Kiss me my love.~" I said.

He leaned forward and his lips met mine in a sweet kiss. When we separated he smiled at me.

"~The lady has given me leave for a month. At the end of April we shall return to Lothlorien.~" He whispered.

I smiled.

"~I know how much your family means to you.~" He added.

I took his hand and leaned against his strong chest.

"~I love that you know that and are willing to be away from Lothlorien for me.~"

He smiled and kissed my hair.

"~I would die for you, you know that Merida. Being away from Lothlorien to make you happy is no problem with me.~" he whispered.

I smiled and closed my eyes.